If you have become a Master Gardener through the Iowa State University Extension Service's program, you are invited to meet with us each month! We are meeting on the "third Thursday," at the Jefferson County Extension Office, 2606 West Burlington Ave., Fairfield, Iowa. This blog will include information about both community service and educational opportunities as they become available.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Dear Iris

For orchid success, duplicate plant's natural conditions

Mar 29, 2012

Orchids have long been a symbol of
love. Since selling so many of them in the floral department during
Valentine’s Day, I thought that people who received them would like more
information on how to care for them. I have to admit I didn’t know
much about how to care for my own orchid.
The golden rule for orchid success is to duplicate the plant’s
natural conditions as closely as possible.In nature most orchids are
epiphytes, meaning they grow on other objects, clinging to rough bark or
even stone. The showy orchids favored by most people are usually either
phalaenopsis hybrids — so called moth orchids or dendrobium hybrids.
They like;
1. Strong light, but not direct sunlight
2. High humidity
3. Good air flow around the roots
4. Regular periods of drying and watering (one trick I learned is to use 3 to 4 ice cubes to water the plant slowly)
5. Keep temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees
The first step with any store-bought orchid is to enjoy the
bloom.Don’t re-pot a flowering plant. After the bloom is gone, cut off
the dead flower spike (I pinched mine off like dead-heading) and re-pot.
Orchids should be potted into specialized orchid pots using an orchid
soil mixture. Orchid pots feature drainage slits so water will run
through the pot. They are widely available. During the growing season,
feed the plant weekly with orchid fertilizer. In the summer, give it
more water.
In the winter months, keep your plant warm and cut back on the water.
Don’t fertilize it. Mist your orchid every so often to keep it hydrated
(but all my research says not to get water on the leaves).
If you see signs of distress, such as yellowing leaves, wrinkled
leaves or no blooms, move the plant and keep tweaking your conditions.
Once an orchid finds a happy spot, and falls into a routine, the plant
should regularly throw new roots and leaves or canes depending on the
type of orchid. Do not be concerned if the roots are coming out of the
top of your plant. Orchid’s like to have their roots crowded. Your plant
should reward you yearly with beautiful blooms.

Public Gardens of Iowa

2012 calendar features 12 public gardens in Iowa, as well as a list of others around the state. Website locations are available. The calendar itself contains gardening tips and ideas. Purchase your copy at the Jefferson County Extension Office.

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About Me

We are a number of gardeners with a variety of interests and expertise, each of whom has achieved (or are working on)their Master Gardener status through study with the Iowa State Extension Service, Ames, Iowa.